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The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets: Premium Audio, Without Cables

Best Wireless Gaming Headsets
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updated: September 18, 2024
edited by Nick Leftley

If you’ve ever experienced the unlimited freedom of movement that comes with owning a quality wireless gaming headset, you’ll never want to tether your ears to a wired model ever again. These cordless headsets continue to improve every year, with lighter designs, larger battery lives, and lag-free connections that sound as though you were using a wired connection. But with so many options touting immersive 3D audio, cooling gel-infused earcups, and multi-platform connectivity, it can be tough to know where to start looking for the best wireless gaming headset for your needs.

We’ve examined, compared, and listened to a huge variety of wireless headsets to find the nicest-sounding, coziest, and most feature-rich models of the year to impress even the choosiest of audiophiles, get the deepest bass and most balanced sound for your buck, and connect you with the top headphones for your video game console of choice. No matter your budget or gaming preferences, these value-packed wireless headsets are hands-down the greatest picks available today.

Our top wireless gaming headset picks

Best value wireless headset: Logitech Astro A30 Wireless

Logitech Astro A30 Wireless

Logitech Astro A30 Wireless

It’s rare to find a wireless headset that is as versatile, comfortable, and nice-sounding as Logitech’s A30, especially at this lower price point, making it a value-packed option for budget-conscious gamers. The A30 features a pair of plush memory foam earcups and a lightweight design, is compatible with every major gaming platform, sports a slick, futuristic style, and most importantly, has audio that’s balanced, crisp, and crystal-clear. Since the A30 is affordable, geared towards multiplatform play, sounds great, and won’t break the bank, it is easy to recommend this rock-solid wireless headset to the average gamer.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: Xbox or PC/Mac or PlayStation (3 different platform-specific models), Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
  • Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
  • Weight: 0.72 pounds
  • Battery Life: 27 hours
  • Price on publish: $229.99

Pros:

  • Compatible with a massive range of gaming platforms
  • Clear, crisp, and immersive sound quality
  • Stylish design

Cons:

  • USB transmitter for cross-platform connectivity is sold separately

Best wireless gaming headset for PC: Razer Blackshark V2 Pro

Razer Blackshark V2 Pro

Razer Blackshark V2 Pro

Although the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro works with an array of gaming platforms, its impressive sound-isolating microphone and immersive THX-certified spatial sound make it a top contender for getting the most from competitive PC games. This wireless headset’s sleek design and extra-soft earcups, premium, pitch-perfect microphone, and long battery life feel custom-tuned to dedicated PC gamers who spend hours communicating with teammates, and listening in on the in-game positions of rivals to make vital game-winning, split-second decisions.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
  • Frequency response: 12 Hz – 28 kHz
  • Weight: 0.71 pounds
  • Battery Life: 70 hours
  • Price on publish: $199.99

Pros:

  • Professional-grade, crystal-clear microphone
  • Powerful and detail-rich sound
  • Plush, breathable memory foam earcups

Cons:

  • No Xbox compatibility

Best wireless gaming headset for PS5: Steelseries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless

Steelseries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless

Steelseries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless

With its ultra-low latency, clear and rich audio, and ability to connect to a pair of devices at once (like your PC or mobile device via Bluetooth connection), the Arctis Nova 7P was an obvious pick as our favorite PlayStation wireless headset. This headset’s deep bass makes it easy to identify footsteps, incoming weapons fire, and other threats via its brilliantly implemented 360° spatial audio feature, and we also appreciated its 38-hour battery life, fast-charging functionality, and crisp-sounding microphone.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: PlayStation or PC or Xbox (3 different platform-specific models), multiplatform via USB-C connection
  • Frequency response: 20–22,000 Hz
  • Weight: 0.72 pounds
  • Battery Life: 38 hours
  • Price on publish: $179.99

Pros:

  • Lifelike audio and excellent surround sound
  • Pinpoint-precise spatial audio for competitive online gaming
  • 6 hours of battery life from 15 minutes of charging

Cons:

  • Some won’t appreciate its extra-snug headband

Best wireless gaming headset for Xbox: LucidSound LS50X Wireless Gaming Headset

LucidSound LS50X Wireless Gaming Headset

LucidSound LS50X Wireless Gaming Headset

There’s no shortage of wireless headsets for Xbox consoles, but the LS50X stands apart from the crowd due to its first-rate audio, lag-free gameplay, and five preset equalizer modes, which help the headset sound its best whether you’re gaming, listening to music, or watching a movie, at the tap of a button. Some of this Xbox-centered model’s other standout features include a cooling gel layer inside its soft leatherette earcups, a pair of high-end microphones for both console gaming and taking calls from your smartphone, and handy on-ear controls.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: Xbox, iOS, Android, PC
  • Frequency response: 20Hz - 20KHz
  • Weight: 0.89 pounds
  • Battery Life: 20 hours
  • Price on publish: $199.99

Pros:

  • Rich and detailed surround sound
  • User-friendly on-ear audio controls
  • Extremely comfy and cool memory foam ear cups

Cons:

  • Its design is on the heavier side

Best wireless gaming headset for audiophiles: Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset

Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset

Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset

Anyone who wants to listen to their games as they were meant to be heard will be blown away by the Audeze Maxwell’s 90mm planar magnetic drivers, as they produce a far wider frequency range than the average headset. This allows for richer, fuller, and significantly more distinct sound effects, as well as deeper low tones and lofty high notes. While its depth and range of sound must be heard to be appreciated, our pick for the best headphones with unmatched audio quality also impressed us with its excellent 80-hour battery life, lag-free gameplay, and dependably crisp, AI-powered, noise-filtering microphone.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
  • Frequency response: 10Hz - 50KHz
  • Weight: 1.08 pounds
  • Battery Life: Over 80 hours
  • Price on publish: $329

Pros:

  • Unparalleled high-resolution, pitch-perfect audio
  • Ultra-low latency wireless sound
  • Charges 25% of battery life in 20 minutes

Cons:

  • Expensive, although with a headset of this quality, that’s to be expected

Best wireless gaming headset for Nintendo Switch: Skullcandy PLYR Multi-Platform Wireless Gaming Headset

Skullcandy PLYR Multi-Platform Wireless Gaming Headset

Skullcandy PLYR Multi-Platform Wireless Gaming Headset

While the vibrantly colored DigiHype design scheme may grab the attention of Nintendo Switch fans, the Skullcandy PLYR headset’s powerful 3D audio, premium-grade microphone, and versatile multi platform compatibility will certainly keep it. Whether you prefer intense racing in Mario Kart or a laid-back day of bug-catching in Animal Crossing, the PLYR’s lightweight, yet durable frame, comfortable memory foam earcups, and solid 24-hour battery life make them a great investment for marathon gaming sessions on the Nintendo Switch.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android, PlayStation and Xbox (wired mode)
  • Frequency response: 20Hz - 20KHz
  • Weight: 0.69 pounds
  • Battery Life: Little over 24 hours
  • Price on publish: $129.99

Pros:

  • Crystal-clear noise-isolating microphone
  • Rich and immersive 3D audio
  • Cozy and featherweight design

Cons:

  • No wireless mode for Xbox and PlayStation consoles

Best wireless multiplatform gaming headset: ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4

ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4

ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4

Those of us who enjoy playing across multiple platforms should invest in a wireless headset that easily leapfrogs between consoles, PC, and mobile, and the ROG Strix Go 2.4 excels at exactly this. For most gaming platforms, you simply plug its USB-C adapter into your device of choice, but for the rare console that doesn’t work with its adapter, a 3.5mm wired audio port will work in a pinch. Versatility aside, we were also impressed by this wireless headset’s airy, featherweight feel, how easily it folds down into its included compact carrying case, and its lightning-fast charging time.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox (wired mode)
  • Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Weight: 0.63 pounds
  • Battery Life: 25 hours
  • Price on publish: $134.95

Pros:

  • Dependably lag-free audio
  • Impressive level of compatibility across all major gaming platforms
  • Battery charges 3 hours of play in only 15 minutes

Cons:

  • Its noise canceling feature is disabled in wired mode

Best lightweight wireless gaming headset: Razer Opus

No matter how good the audio quality, a heavy and ill-fitting wireless headset will feel like a bulky clamp on your head after a few hours of play, which is why the floaty and light feel of a Razer Opus is a worthy investment for serious gaming enthusiasts. Barely weighing in at over half a pound, with its extra-soft earcups and convenient 40-hour battery life, you may forget that you’re even wearing it. Outside of its lightweight build and comfortable fit, we like how effective the Razer Opus is at blocking outside sounds, its immersive THX-certified and balanced audio, and its compatibility with a wide collection of modern gaming platforms.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: PC, iOS, Android, console controllers (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.) via 3.5 mm wired port
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Weight: 0.59 pounds
  • Battery Life: up to 40 hours
  • Price on publish: $199.99

Pros:

  • Featherweight, with a comfortable fit
  • Premium noise canceling
  • Rich bass

Cons:

  • No wireless connectivity with gaming consoles

Best wireless gaming headset under $100: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2

We’ll be the first to admit that gaming is an expensive hobby, but the Stealth 600 Gen 2 shows that you can get a nice wireless headset for just under $100. Although it lacks some of the features present in far more expensive models, the Stealth 600’s 24 hours of battery life, lag-free audio, and well-cushioned earcups provide a crisp and surprisingly detailed listening experience, as well as an extra-sturdy design that’s sure to endure for years.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: Xbox consoles
  • Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Weight: 10.6 ounces
  • Battery Life: Little over 24 hours
  • Price on publish: $89.99

Pros:

  • Cozy foam, glasses-friendly earcups
  • Impressive Dolby Atmos surround sound
  • Reliably lag-free audio

Cons:

  • No noise canceling feature

Best wireless gaming headset for battery life: HyperX Cloud Alpha

HyperX Cloud Alpha

There are many exceptional wireless headsets on our list, but none comes close to the HyperX Cloud Alpha’s whopping 300-hours of playtime per charge. While it’s impressive enough to play for weeks on end without even thinking about charging it, this featherweight model includes an especially flexible headband and ultra-plush earcups, conveniently designed on-ear volume controls, and its sharp spatial audio is top-tier for listening in on in-game enemies and reacting accordingly. If you love the idea of wireless freedom, but hate placing your headset on the charger after every session, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is a must-buy for its industry-leading battery life alone.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: PC
  • Frequency response: 15 Hz – 21 kHz
  • Weight: 0.7 pounds
  • Battery Life: Over 300 hours
  • Price on publish: $152.99

Pros:

  • Extremely long battery life
  • Lightweight and genuinely comfortable
  • Rich and immersive 3D audio

Cons:

  • Not for console players

Best wireless earbuds for gaming: Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

We understand that some gamers dislike the pinch of a headband or the additional weight of the average wireless headset—and that’s fine, since the versatile, comfortable, and surprisingly rich audio quality makes these Razer earbuds an excellent alternative. Optimized for gaming via mobile, PC, and nearly any platform that allows a Bluetooth connection, the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed sports a powerful bass and balanced sound, as well as a genuinely comfortable in-ear fit that feels so natural, you may forget you’re wearing them after a while. Sure, you’ll only get about 6.5 hours of battery life per charge, but its fast-charging companion case will recharge them three times for a total of 30 hours before that also needs to be charged, making these the best wireless earbuds for gaming on the go.

Specifications

  • Connectivity: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Weight: 6 grams per earbud
  • Battery Life: Up to 30 hours when paired with wireless charging case
  • Price on publish: $199.99

Pros:

  • Long battery life
  • Crisp and clear THX Certified audio
  • Premium low-latency performance

Cons:

  • Not designed for Xbox

How we selected the best wireless gaming headsets

Our selections were made through a combination of examining as many models as we could find, thorough testing, and many hours of gaming across multiple platforms, all of which helped us to select the top wireless gaming headsets available today. Some of our key considerations for picking a premium wireless headset included audio quality, comfort, battery life, feature list, compatibility, and price.

What to consider when buying a wireless gaming headset

Compatibility

Whether you intend on gaming on a single platform or across multiple consoles, mobile devices, and a PC, it’s critical to know whether or not a headset is able to connect to the devices you play on before you buy. Bluetooth connectivity is an excellent way to play with an array of gaming platforms, including PC, iOS, and Nintendo Switch. Note that even if you buy a multiplatform headset, you may need to purchase an additional USB device or wireless dongle to connect to certain gaming platforms.

Sound

Like shopping for the best headphones, sound quality matters. Some gamers want to immerse themselves in the sounds, dialogue, and music of their favorite gaming worlds, while others are looking for an audio-based tactical advantage to hear nearby footsteps, weapon fire, and other threats; no matter how you play, it’s absolutely worth investing in a headset with high-end sound quality to get the most out of your game time. In addition to needing a headset with balanced, crisp, and rich audio, look for models that utilize game-enhancing sound technologies such as spatial 3D audio, active noise cancellation, and planar magnetic drivers.

Comfort

It is vital to go out of your way to find a gaming headset made to be comfortably worn for hours on end. Plush, breathable, and cooling earcups, an adjustable padded headband, and an overall flexible design are telltale signs of a cozy headset.

Battery life

A longer battery life means more time with your headset where it belongs—on your head, instead of sitting on the charger like your smartwatch. Expect a good wireless headset to provide over 20 hours of battery life and an excellent model to feature over 40 hours of uninterrupted playtime, but be aware that there are headsets capable of playing for hundreds of hours before they need to be recharged.

Features

If you’re having a difficult time choosing between a handful of wireless gaming headsets, comparing their feature sets is an easy way to identify which models are best-suited to your gaming needs.These features might include a premium-grade microphone for pitch-perfect communication with teammates, on-ear volume and equalizer controls, and cool color options or designs that match your tastes.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is a wired or wireless headset better for gaming?

Both wired and wireless headsets have their pros and cons, and while neither is inherently better than the other, it’s up to you to determine which option is best for you:

Wireless perks:

The ability to move, gesture, and walk about your gaming space without worrying about tugging on a cable simply feels great. Playing without tangled wires or the pain of accidentally ripping the headset off your ears is always a plus.In addition, wireless headsets tend to be ergonomically designed for maximum comfort. The minimal headband pressure, well-cushioned earcups, and adjustable parts make for an all-around nicer fit for marathon gaming.

Although it’s true that you’ll need to charge your wireless headset eventually, the best models have a battery life between dozens and hundreds of hours. In addition, some headsets are capable of fast-charging, so you can play for several hours after a few minutes of charging, while others are designed to be worn as you charge them via its charging cable.

Wired perks:

One of the simple perks of a wired headset is that many controllers feature a 3.5mm audio port, so you can listen to your game as soon as you plug it in—no installation or Bluetooth connection necessary.If money is a factor and you don’t mind a cable dangling from your ear, keep in mind that wired gaming headsets are often notably cheaper than their wireless counterparts.

Although the best wireless headsets may feature a low latency mode or are designed to keep the latency to a minimum, gamers searching for every possible advantage over their online competition may prefer the reliably lag-free audio of a wired model. Note that latency issues (a problem where a game’s visuals and audio aren’t synced properly) are far less noticeable or practically non-existent for expensive headsets, but a dirt-cheap wireless model’s latency issues may make fast-paced online titles practically unplayable.

Is a wireless gaming headset worth it?

If your gaming sessions last for hours on end, the lightweight comfort, cordless freedom of movement, and enhanced sound quality of a premium wireless headset is absolutely worth the investment. Some of the best perks of a high-end wireless gaming headset include:

  • Quality noise isolation, so your team will hear your voice as clearly as possible while filtering out distracting background sounds.
  • Surround sound, for the tactical advantage of hearing and reacting to the spatial location of threats, such as the heavy footsteps of a terrifying monster hunting you just off screen.
  • Premier sound quality, for fully immersing yourself in the music, sounds, and dialogue of your favorite games, as the game developers had intended them to be heard. Although they may be pricey, the crisp, balanced, and crystal-clear sound of a high-end wireless gaming headset is an exciting and engaging experience, especially for intense adventure, shooting, and racing titles.

Are wireless gaming headsets heavier than wired ones?

Because a wireless headset contains a battery, some gamers have wondered if they are a little bit heavier than wired alternatives, however there isn’t a straight answer. Gaming accessory manufacturers such as Razer, SteelSeries, and HyperX have made the internal battery so lightweight that wireless headphones aren’t noticeably heavier than wired models, if they are heavier at all.

Do professional gamers use wireless headphones?

Yes, from the Overwatch League to North America’s Evolution Championship Series (EVO), pro eSports players use wireless headsets. However, there is approximately a 50-50 split between competitors who prefer a wireless or wired setup. Just like the average gamer, what the pros consider to be the best gaming headset all boils down to personal preference.

The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.

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